Deputy Secretary-General of the Arab League Hossam Zaki held talks with Lebanese officials on Wednesday, during a visit aiming to prevent an escalation of the military conflict between Israel and Hezbollah and help end the presidential deadlock.
Zaki arrived in Beirut on Tuesday for a two-day mission at the request of League Secretary-General Ahmed Aboul Gheit.
He held talks with Parliament Speaker Nabih Berry, caretaker Prime Minister Najib Mikati, as well as Kataeb leader Samy Gemayel and Free Patriotic Movement chief Gebran Bassil.
The discussions focused on two main issues: the presidential election and the situation on the southern border.
Regarding the presidential election, Mr. Zaki confirmed that “efforts are being made at all levels to achieve a breakthrough,” which he said requires “more consultations between politicians.” Mr. Zaki called on “all parties to put the interests of Lebanon above any other particular interest.”
Addressing his guest in Saifi, Samy Gemayel reiterated the Kataeb’s refusal to deviate from the constitutional provisions regarding the presidential election. He stressed the importance of the democratic process and the need to elect a consensual president capable of dialogue with all local parties involved, as well as with other countries, in order to put Lebanon back on the road to peace.
